Braun GmbH, formerly Braun AG, is a German consumer products company based in Kronberg, Germany. From the mid-1950s, the Braun brand was closely linked with the concept of German modern industrial design and its combination of functionality and technology. In 1956, Braun created its first design department, headed by Dr. Fritz Eichler, who instituted a collaboration with the Ulm School of Design to develop a new product line.

Amazing pieces of industrial design that still today remain fresh, true classics that have survived the test of time.

In 1956 the company introduced its famous SK4 record player (‘Snow White’s Coffin’), designed by a youthful Dieter Rams together with the pioneer of system design Hans Gugelot.

Rams soon became the most influential designer at Braun and he served as head of design for Braun for nearly 30 years. Many of his designs have found a permanent home at the Museum of Modern Art.

In the 1970s, a design approach influenced by pop-art began to inspire Braun products, which by this time included many common household appliances and products. Contemporary Braun design of the period incorporated this new approach in bright colors and a lightness of touch, while still clean-lined in keeping with Functionalist philosophy.

We can also notice, that when you look at the Braun products and compare them to Apple products, you can clearly see the similarities in their philosophies way beyond the sparse use of color, the selection of materials and how the products are shaped around the function with no artificial design, keeping the design “honest.”

]]>http://webexpedition18.com/articles/industrial-design-by-braun/feed/5Industrial Design Of Fiat 500 Through The Decadeshttp://webexpedition18.com/articles/industrial-design-of-fiat-500-through-the-decades/
http://webexpedition18.com/articles/industrial-design-of-fiat-500-through-the-decades/#commentsThu, 18 Mar 2010 22:12:04 +0000http://webexpedition18.com/?p=3195Tweet The history of Fiat began many years ago, at the dawn of Italian industrialisation, in which the company has always played a leading role. From that moment on, the Fiat brand spread throughout the world and developed extensively. The tiny Fiat 500 is now something of a trendy cult car, its rounded egg-like body […]

The history of Fiat began many years ago, at the dawn of Italian industrialisation, in which the company has always played a leading role. From that moment on, the Fiat brand spread throughout the world and developed extensively.
The tiny Fiat 500 is now something of a trendy cult car, its rounded egg-like body and diminutive size endearing it to millions. The Bambino was very popular in Europe and became a cult classic.
In this post You will see how design of Fiat 500, most popular car manufactured by Fiat, evolve through the decades.

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The first Fiat 500 named a Topolino (meaning mouse) was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955. all with minor mechanical and cosmetic changes.

Fiat 500A (1939.)

Fiat 500B Topolino Furgoncino (1948.)

Fiat 500C (1949.)

Fiat 500C Convertible (1953.)

In 1955 the mid size rear wheel drive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova (or new). The Fiat 600 (Italian: Seicento) is a city car produced from 1955 to 1969. The car became very popular in countries such as Spain (as SEAT 600), where it became the icon par excellence of the Spanish miracle, Argentina, where it was nicknamed Fitito (a diminutive of Fiat) and former Yugoslavia where it was nicknamed Ficha.

Fiat 600

The Fiat 600 was also manufactured at Fiat Neckar in Germany between 1956 and 1967. Presented in a first time as Jagst 600, in 1960 with the release of Fiat 600D it became Jagst 770.

Neckar Jagst 770

Zastava 750 (1965.)

Seat 600

Fiat 600 Multipla

Fiat 600 Abarth

Fiat 600 Jolly (conversion by Italian design house Ghia)

The Fiat 500 (Italian: cinquecento) is a car produced from 1957 to 1975, with limited production of the Fiat 500 K estate continuing until 1977. First launched in 1957, the Nuova 500 was totally designed by Fiats chief designer at the time, Dante Giacosa, an individual who would later become an automotive legend for his contributions to the industry.

Fiat 500 Nuova (1957-1960.)

Fiat 500D (1960-1965.)

Fiat 500K or Giardiniera (1960-1977.)

Fiat 500F or Berlina (1965-1973.)

Fiat 500L or Lusso (1968-1972.)

Fiat 500R or Rinnovata (1972-1975.)

The design of the new 2007 Fiat 500 is based on the 2004 Fiat Trepiuno concept. This car features a distinctive retro-look just like the Volkswagen New Beetle and BMW MINI.